[Click to view set on flickr]

While we were in his studio, I got the chance to see his American Matter (Part 1) piece, I was going to post a screengrab, but honestly, I feel you really should pay a visit to Oliver’s site and therefore, leave you with some shots I took in his studio.

In New York City, Team Sweet (from here on out referred to as Jess), set up some time to hang and interview Leontine Greenberg. If I haven’t shoved it down your throat yet, I absolutely love Leontine– and therefore it was a pleasure to know that two awesome ladies whom I love would be meeting up, with the company of a tall gentlemen by the name of Davy.

Above you’ll find Leontine’s submission to the Love Conquers All: Art for Equality which is turning into an annual show put on by Thinkspace Gallery. Since breaking onto the scene, Leontine continues to develop sophisticated whimsical creatures with a subdued color pallet. My stereotypical thought of a watercolor piece changed when I was exposed to her work. Luckily for you– Leontine’s interview is already up on the Wootini Gallery website and you can check it out now. =D We had delicious brunch at Cafe Bar in Astoria, Queens NY. And at the end of the interview, Leontine left her mark on the travelling munny Jess brought along.

I have one of those birds in my black book. I am absolutely jealous of some people’s talent. If you haven’t checked out her works yet (as though I haven’t urged you many times before), go to her site, stalk her, buy her art.

To celebrate their upcoming show, G1988 currently has a poll to turn one of Leontine’s works into print format. Her works are affordable enough as it is, but turning one into a print will make it even more accessible to even the brokest amongst us. =D So, head on over to Gallery1988′s poll site. You can locate the poll on the right side of the site. Go make your pick! Her stuff is worth having in any collection– I may indeed be an addict.

For those who don’t know me personally, I have a huge collection of pendants. I’m constantly seeking for; cute, unique, attention grabbing pendants. There’s something great about something I’m wearing being the conversation starter; and when I personally know the creators of the pendants, I experience a great joy being able to recommend their products. This is the case with Ritzy and Jen E and their latest Etsy shop launch for Supreme Goods.

The shop hosts several pendants created by both ladies. JenE handles the porcelain moldings, while Ritzy adds illustrations to the pieces. Just having checked out the page, I’m already loving their modest design partnered with a subtle personality of their own. Most pendants range between $20-$30, while their trinkets boxes range between $40-$45. Head on over to their shop and enjoy the goods. =D

With Stella, I’m accustomed to seeing her tackle the female form. Her women are; soft, curvaceous, vulnerable and sometimes, they’re just floating heads with beautiful locks of hair. Lately, her sketchbook has been filled with a grittier woman. She’s often sexualized, rather than sensual and caught in some compromising situations. I’m not sure if Stella has always displayed these works, but the style is definitely new to me and therefore refreshing.

One thing that I have always praised is an artist’s ability to evolve and even though it takes some getting used to sometimes (most recently in the case of Brent Nolasco and his new N.L.S.C. signage), it’s still something I highly respect. P.S. I am fully loving that Stella isn’t afraid to equip her woman with a bootylicious booty.

In this set of pages, you can appreciate two ends of the spectrum. You’ve got this very serious and rather solemn drawing, and then there’s this flowy and playful image next to it. I find her use of the female form to also create the recognized heart shape pretty genius.

The pregnant woman, along with all the identities within her is one of my absolute favorites. I have to ask, what’s changed? What is it that is influencing these new works? Will we see these styles on large canvas pieces and in future shows?

I’ve got so many questions– and no answers. I will however, as I stated before, sit back and enjoy the show. I hope that these sketches turn into large scale works in oil and that I’m then able to see them in person.

Unboxing: Matt Siren’s Ghost Girl from IHCS.me on Vimeo.

Yay!! We haven’t brought you an Unboxing video in quite a while, but I’m happy that this latest video features Matt Siren’s Ghost Girl. If you haven’t noticed, we’re having a giveaway here on the site to win this very figure, so go visit the giveaway post and enter.

For those of you who want the figure now… I’ve listed some of the shops that have her available below, with links to the purchasing site. She retails for $45 dollar, so get to it! Thanks again to MPH and Matt Siren for being incredibly awesome people by hosting this giveaway and letting us unbox her. <3

1. My Plastic Heart
2. Tenacious Toys
3. Gunnzo
4. Rotofugi
5. Munky King

Oh, if you visit this link– you’ll get a preview of what your future collection could look like. =D

[click to view flickr set if slideshow doesn't work]

I realize the show opened May 1st, hence the name, but I’d been warned that there would be a crowd gathered, so I chose to wait it out and visit the gallery at my own leisure. I didn’t think I’d wait until the last minute, but alas, I made it to the gallery the day before it closed its doors for good. Check out the slideshow above. =D

It’s been three years and designer toys are still a huge part of my life and the site, and I’ve now become addicted to several art movements including the low-brow, pop-surrealist, street art, graffiti scenes. With all this said, I want to say thank you. I cannot express how absolutely grateful I am to all the supporters, including; readers, guest writers, the amazing shop owners who sponsor giveaways, the artists who put up with my fan girl reactions when we finally meet in person, the artists who welcome me into their homes and studios, every single artist who has given up a bit of their souls and left their marks in my black books. If I’m missing someone, my apologies, but you should be very aware that I’m grateful to you too. I’ve been blessed and hope to continue being a source of information for newcomers and old-school collectors alike.

With all that said, GIVEAWAY TIME! This week, MPHLabs and Matt Siren, have unleashed Matt Siren’s Ghost Girl figure into the wild, and they have both been gracious enough to sponsor a celebratory giveaway on IHCS. One lucky winner will receive Matt Siren’s signature Ghost Girl figure, hot off the vinyl making machines. =D The figure retails for $45 and is available through MyPlasticHeart, but why not try your luck here?!! There is one thing you need to do, read below to find out!

Seeing as how this is a blog celebration, I’d appreciate some feedback. I’d like to know what’s working and what isn’t working for you as a reader of the site. Is me changing the look too much for you? Do you find the posts interesting? Are there things you want to read about that I’m not covering? Do you want more NYC exclusive posts? Or, vice versa, less NYC and more out of town range? Let me know what’s working and what needs improvement.

I’ll have this be a discussion entry, so you’re welcome to comment more than once in any discussion that may arise, but I’ll only submit your name once into the fake fish bowl I don’t have yet. I’ll keep a sticky on this post and you have a chance to chime in until June 16th. I’ll close the giveaway then, and we’ll announce a winner by the 17th. Woohoo!

DELUXX FLUXX from IHCS.me on Vimeo.

The space is packed with several custom old-school arcade units plastered with Faile’s wheatpastes, and contain customs games and images made specific for the exhibit. Further into the gallery, there’s a secondary room lined with UV lighting to make the neon posters pop! Upon entering this room, the only thought that crossed my mind– other than how friggin’ cool the room was– I wonder if anyone’s had some embarrassing stains on their person? Only I think of inappropriate things like that.

[Click to view IHCS Flickr Set]

Sadly, I don’t know too much about Faile or Bast and feel like I fail at providing much info on them. I am, however, hoping that they’ll hit me back through email with more info.